Field & trade terms
Efflorescence
Efflorescence is the whitish, crystalline film that shows up on the face of brick, block, stone or concrete. It forms when water moves through the material, dissolves salts inside it, and then evaporates at the surface, leaving the salt behind. The deposit itself is usually cosmetic and can be cleaned, but it is a symptom worth reading: efflorescence means water is getting into and through the assembly, and the water path is the real problem.
Run it with the Photo Gate
Masonry final inspection checklist
15 items · 14 photos required
Why it matters
Efflorescence is a messenger. On its own the white bloom is a staining and appearance issue, but it is telling you that moisture is migrating through the wall, which points at flashing that is missing or lapped wrong, weep holes that are blocked, or a cavity that is not draining. Wiping off the salt without finding the water path just lets it come back.
Caught during construction, the underlying moisture path can often still be corrected before the wall is closed up and finished. Discovered after occupancy, chasing the water source usually means opening finished work.
How it shows up on site
White staining on a masonry or concrete face, investigated back to the moisture source (flashing, weeps, drainage) rather than just cleaned, with the condition photographed and the water path corrected where it is found.
Standards it's verified against
Checklists that put efflorescence to work
Free, field-ready checklists, each with the photo every item needs before it can be submitted.
Related terms
- SpallingConcrete or masonry breaking, flaking or chipping off the surface, often driven by corroding reinforcement, freeze-thaw or poor placement.
- DelaminationA separation between layers that were supposed to bond (a coating from its substrate, a topping from a slab, plies of a membrane), leaving a hollow, loose plane.
- Weep holeA small opening left at the base of a cavity wall or window so water that gets behind the face has a path back out.
- FlashingThin sheet material lapped into an assembly to direct water back out at joints, edges and openings before it can get behind the finish.
- WaterstopA strip embedded across a concrete joint that blocks water from passing through the joint: the built-in seal at construction and expansion joints below grade.
- Thermal bridgeA path of high heat conductivity through the building envelope (a stud, slab edge or metal member) that bypasses the insulation and lets heat short-circuit through.
Knowing the term is step one. Proving it is the job.
RTI holds the submit button until every mandatory item is answered and the photos are attached, then chains the record so it can be proven untouched later.
30-day trial · No card required